Menorah Medical Center One of Few in Nation and First in Kansas City to Perform Colorectal Surgeries on da Vinci Using Groundbreaking Firefly and Stapler Technologies

Menorah Medical Center is the first hospital in the area to offer Firefly and Stapler technologies on the da Vinci system for colorectal surgeries. The da Vinci utilizes the most advanced robotic technology to enhance surgical capabilities and serves as an alternative to many traditional, open surgeries and conventional laparoscopic procedures.

Menorah Medical Center — part of HCA Midwest Health System, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider — has two da Vinci robot surgical suites and is a leader in Kansas City when it comes to performing minimally invasive surgical procedures, including gallbladder, gynecologic, prostate, kidney, urological, colorectal conditions and more.

Surgeons are able to perform delicate and complex operations through tiny incisions with breakthrough vision, precision, dexterity and control. This type of minimally invasive surgery commonly reduces a patient’s blood loss, pain and recovery time.

Now Menorah is one of the first hospitals in the U.S. and the first in Kansas City to utilize a da Vinci robot outfitted with Firefly fluorescence imaging and EndoWrist Stapler to help make colon and rectal surgery less invasive and more precise. These technologies provide additional clinical efficiency in the operating room, which translate to patient benefits.

Board-certified Colorectal Surgeons Lina O’Brien, MD and Benyamine Mizrahi, MD, are the first in Kansas City to use Firefly fluorescence imaging during da Vinci robotic colorectal procedures. The Firefly process involves the injection of a fluorescent dye that helps surgeons observe tissue even more clearly, allowing them to identify healthy, viable tissue and further improve surgical precision. The robotic EndoWrist stapler is the first stapler technology in the world that allows full surgeon autonomy during a da Vinci procedure to access critical anatomy and ensure appropriate tissue closure.

Dr. O’Brien performed the first Kansas City colorectal surgery mid-October using the Firefly and Stapler technologies on the da Vinci.

“For the patient, it means low blood loss, a quicker return to physical functions and a normal diet and a shorter hospital stay,” says Dr. O’Brien. “It also means resuming normal activities much quicker than with traditional colorectal surgery. For me as a surgeon, it provides unparalleled clarity and precision.”

“Menorah Medical Center is pleased to have not only two da Vinci robots for minimally invasive procedures, but also the Firefly and Stapler technologies to augment procedures our board-certified surgeons such as Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Mizrahi perform,” says Denise Miller, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Menorah Medical Center. “As a leader in health care in Johnson County, we are committed to providing patients with the highest level of surgical care while utilizing the latest and least invasive surgical options.”

"An important part of Menorah Medical Center’s vision for patient care is to explore and provide the latest in minimally-invasive treatments wherever possible," says Steven D. Wilkinson, FACE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Menorah Medical Center. “We are proud to have two da Vinci robots, equipped with its latest technology, that support our commitment to offering patients better surgical experiences and outcomes."